In addition to the Nazca geoglyphs, as they are archaeologically called, it is also important to mention their great achievements in hydraulic engineering. The famous underground channels of Nazca, locally known as Puquios (a Quechua word to describe a natural spring), are one of the greatest legacy also left behind by the Nazca Culture, this unique underground system is unique in South America and perhaps in the whole world, as their construction are very intricate.
The Nazca culture built over 50 underground channels in the Nazca region between the years 400 AD till around 500 AD, and many of them are still in use by the local communities in the Nazca Valley.
Without doubt, one of the best preserve channels are those located at the zone of Cantalloc or CANTAYO, as it is also called. On this area visitors can see a series of blow holes shaped in a spiral form, which probably served to clean their inner part periodically, and also to restore them in case of tremors or earthquakes. |
